President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge (uLethbridge), Alberta’s Destination University, is a comprehensive and research-intensive university founded on the principles of liberal education, a place where inspired scholars truly and effectively integrate research and creativity with teaching. Many world-class researchers have made their home here and continue to push the boundaries of their disciplines supported by outstanding facilities and a thriving graduate and postdoctoral program.
Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot land, we are a place where student engagement is prioritized, and students at all levels are involved in research and creative activities as part of their learning experiences on a daily basis. uLethbridge offers more than 150 successful undergraduate and 60 specialized graduate programs in the faculties of Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, the School of Liberal Education, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Dhillon School of Business, at two campuses - Lethbridge and Calgary - to more than 8,750 students. uLethbridge takes pride in enhancing community engagement and is committed to collaborating with Indigenous peoples and communities to ensure that their partnerships, and ensuing programs, meet the needs of these communities. The University of Lethbridge is committed to creating and supporting environments dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion.
The University of Lethbridge is seeking a strategic visionary leader for one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and leading research institutions. Mandated by, and accountable to the Board of Governors, the
President & Vice-Chancellor (the President) has general supervision over, and direction of, the operation of the University of Lethbridge. The President provides exceptional leadership to generate and sustain an equitable, diverse, and inclusive academic and administrative vision of what the University should be, and that optimizes the development of the University. The President ensures that University objectives are achieved and the University’s quality and future assured. The President is responsible for carrying out all the duties required in the capacity as President & Vice‐Chancellor with the General Faculties Council, the Senate, The University of Lethbridge Faculty Association, other employee groups and the general public, as well as working closely with the Board.
The President's primary responsibility is to lead the University in an ethical, transparent, equitable, diverse, inclusive, and responsible manner to achieve long term sustainability through continued innovations in programming, collaborations, and research directions. This individual is an entrepreneurial, innovative, and creative problem solver with a track record of success effecting change by utilizing calculated and thoughtful risk-based management strategies. This leader is a genuine, and authentic relationship builder who will engage with a wide range of stakeholders to advocate for and defend the interests of the University and protect and advance the values of liberal education. Comfortable in a highly visible position, the President will be an effective and efficient decision maker, and a recognized and respected leader in the community.
The President will propel the University’s vision as a “Destination University” on a national and international stage through the evolution and implementation of the organization’s Strategic Directions and Vision. Through their ongoing commitment to keeping the University student-focused, faculty-led, research-intensive, and grounded in an inclusive perspective on liberal education, the President will support students and graduates to succeed in their careers and contribute to a better global society. As a connector and authentic relationship builder, the President will enhance the University by fostering intra and inter-institutional and community collaborations, and work with Indigenous communities to identify and support opportunities for Indigenous engagement. The President will also incorporate equity, diversity and inclusion principles into the University’s overarching strategy.
The successful candidate could possess a PhD or professional graduate degree, or comparable terminal degree in their discipline, would be seen as a recognized leader in their field, and have qualifications commensurate with an appointment with tenure at the rank of Full Professor. Recognized as an exceptional communicator, the ideal candidate is visionary and authentic with extensive experience leading a large complex organization, with a deep appreciation for and knowledge of scholarly activity, pedagogy, research, community service, and executive administration. Possessing a demonstrated strength to build relationships, trust, and collaborative, positive influence with a broad spectrum of stakeholders – including faculty, students and staff – this leader will also have a proven track record in fundraising and government relations.
The next President will navigate change and inspire students, faculty, staff, and community partners to build together a resilient and stable future for the University of Lethbridge through an uncompromising commitment to ethical values, integrity, and transparency.
Janet Soles and Associates has been retained to conduct this important search on behalf of the University of Lethbridge. For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please send your curriculum vitae and letter of interest in confidence to ULethPresident@jssearch.ca.
uLethbridge is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and representative workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. The University welcomes all applications from qualified candidates including all employment equity groups of Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, racialized individuals and persons of diverse gender and sexual orientation protected under the Alberta Human rights code. In accordance with the Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.
